Six Nations 2021: Recalled Sam Skinner says Scotland don't want 'freebie points' against France
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Sam Skinner joins Rufus McLean and Nick Haining in being added to the squad
Recalled Exeter Chiefs forward Sam Skinner says the postponed Six Nations match with France should be played rather than awarding Scotland points.
Glasgow Warriors full-back Rufus McLean has been called up for the first time, with Edinburgh number eight Nick Haining also recalled to face Ireland.
But the France game is poised to be played later after a Covid-19 outbreak forced that match to be postponed.
"As players, we want the game to go ahead," Skinner said.
"We don't want freebie points at all. I'm sure spectators want to see it as well, so I'm all for making the game happen, definitely."
The game was called off when 11 French players tested positive for the virus but looks likely to be played on 26 March at Stade de France - and Skinner points out that many teams have been similarly hit by the pandemic.
"While playing for Exeter, we lost to Toulouse technically because of the same situation," he said. "Everyone's in the same boat here and, if there's a way of making the game go ahead, let's make it happen."
There have been question marks about the release of players, like Skinner himself, from English Premiership clubs for the rearranged date.
"I don't know the politics or what's going on behind the scenes - I imagine money's involved, to be honest - but you'd like to think there's a solution there," he said.
"You want the top players available to play for Scotland because that could be a hell of a game against France. You don't want what happened in the Autumn, when France played their second or third team. That was a bit of a shame. For the sport, you want everyone to be available."
Skinner is delighted to be back in head coach Gregor Townsend's plans for Sunday's match at home to Ireland and the visit of Italy the following weekend.
"I was obviously gutted and disappointed not to be involved from the start," he said. "I just tried to control what I could control, play as well as I could and I'm grateful to be back up here.
"Ireland are a quality side. The way they're talking and the way they've been playing, they seem to be in a really strong, confident place at the minute, so there's a hell of a battle coming up this weekend and, if I'm involved, I can't wait to get stuck in."
Skinner, McLean and Haining have been given their chance, with Richie Gray, Blade Thomson, Gary Graham, Josh Bayliss, Grant Stewart and D'Arcy Rae dropping out.
After beating England on the opening weekend, Townsend's side narrowly lost to Wales before their match with France was postponed.
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